Disclaimer: I wish I own them, but no, FF8 and all its characters belong to Squaresoft. But I do own this story! ^__^
Chapter 11: Home Sweet Home
Finally father and son got on the train to Balamb. Squall had been very silent the whole time and kept on staring the floor as if he wanted to burn a hole in it as well, not that it was unusual, but it was bugging a hell lot out of Laguna.
"You wanna know a secret? The 'woman' at the pub in Dollet was actually a man!" Laguna tried his best to break the ice.
Squall had enough about men wanting to marry men, or men kissing men…eww…unwanted flashback
"You know, I once saved a girl too while I was serving in Timber, and I didn't have your problem…"
"She hated Galbadian soldiers," Squall blurted out, without his own awareness that he had opened his mouth and spoken.
"You know her?! How is she now?" Laguna asked with much interest.
This time Squall kept quiet. He was too busy cursing himself for even talking to Laguna.
"You know, I did save your butt just now," Laguna was starting to get impatient.
Squall looked up at his father. Both stared at each other until Squall finally curved his lips upward ever so slightly, a faint hint of a smile. "Yeah, thanks…Dad."
Laguna smiled back.
* * * * *
Even though it was already dark by the time they reached Balamb, they both agreed on not staying the night in Balamb. After all, it was only an hour's walk to Balamb Garden.
It was dinnertime when Laguna and Squall finally arrived at Balamb Garden.
"They're probably having dinner at the cafeteria right now," remarked Squall.
"Good, let's go see them right away," replied Laguna.
The gang was indeed at the cafeteria. Zell was trying to steal a hotdog from Irvine's plate as father and son entered, and was unfortunately discovered by Irvine, who pointed Exeter threateningly at Zell. Squall coughed loudly to get attention.
The gang turned around and was surprised to see Laguna and Squall standing there. Rinoa gave a squeal of delight before jumping up on Squall, kissing all over his face. Everyone was cheering now that Laguna and Squall had returned. Selphie had been sulking the whole while when Sir Laguna was away.
"I'll go get Kiros and Ward," Quistis said, and left the cafeteria.
"Seeing you all eating makes me a bit hungry. Squall, could you get me something to eat?" Laguna requested.
"Sure, dad," answered Squall, and proceeded to the counter.
Everyone's jaws dropped, and if it were possible, they would have dropped to the floor. Did they hear Squall wrong, or did he just call Laguna 'dad'? On top of that, he had never been that obedient to anyone except Rinoa.
As Squall returned with the food, Irvine stood forward and asked, "You feeling alright, Commander? Did that trip do something wrong to you?"
He was returned with a stare from Squall that could wither a Malboro.
"Okay…chill, man, chill."
Rinoa looked at Squall. "That trip really helped with your father-and-son bonding, I'm so happy for you two!"
Just then Kiros, Ward and Quistis came.
"You're really back! It's been only a week, I thought you wouldn't be back for another with Laguna leading you around the world," Kiros remarked.
"He gave up being a navigator," Squall replied. Laguna scratched his head and laughed.
Kiros and Ward couldn't believe their ears. The power-hungry-navigator Laguna had given up on giving directions? Dear Hyne, another Lunar Cry is coming!
Selphie couldn't take it any more. "Alright already! Where are the souvenirs?"
Laguna smiled, looked at Squall, then looked back at the group. "Well, we're truly grateful for your efforts in trying to help us out, so Squall and I decided that ordinary gifts won't do…" Squall rummaged through their luggage for the gifts, and dropped them on the table, "so we got more monster parts for you!"
Everyone smiled nervously, recoiling in disgust the same time. Only Selphie bounced joyfully, "Whoo-hoo! What did you get for me this time?"
THE END
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Author's note: Yeah!! I finally finished the whole story!! I feel like crying now…It's true about Laguna saving a girl from a train years back. Go ask the woman near the Dollet train station. Oh, the 'woman' at the pub in Dollet being a man is also true. I hold true to the game ^_^ Hope you enjoy my fanfic as much as I do!